Goalkeeper: Michel Vorm (Swansea)
According to those wonderful geek-bods at whoscored.com, Michel Vorm is the fifth most effective goalkeeper in Europe's elite leagues this season. Top was of course Marc-André ter Stegen of Borussia MGladbach but Vorm came in fifth ahead of any other goalkeeper in the Premier League. But never mind the stats, we just think he's bloody brilliant.
Vorm looks so much like a chiselled Action Man we assume that his shorts hide plastic underpants that cannot be removed (even with a chisel), but they don't appear to restrict his movements because he is a phenomenal shot-stopper who finds his relatively short stature no bar to dominating his area at set-pieces.
Just in case you missed it, Vorm recently told the story of a woman in a Swansea branch of Tesco who greeted him with the words 'Hello Legend' and said that if she was in charge, he could have his shopping for free. Now we love Joe Hart, but we're pretty sure this almost never happens to him in Manchester.
Right-Back: Micah Richards (Manchester City)
When we put together this team's equivalent in October, the right-back slot went to Chris Smalling. Now doesn't that seem an awful long time ago now? The good news is that the list of candidates is once again dominated by Englishmen, though that gives Fabio Capello's successor (do we still have to pretend it might not be Harry?) a headache for Polkraine. A case can be made for Kyle Walker, Micah Richards and Glen Johnson.
We've given the nod to Richards because he excels at both end of the pitch, with his physicality making him an uncompromising defender and his energy making him a pest for the opposition left-back. City's lack of hug-the-touchline wingers means there's an awful lot of emphasis on the full-backs to provide width and Richards has responded with six assists so far this season.
Centre-Half: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)
"You can fall a thousand times but you will stand up and go on," is apparently the motto of the Slovakian centre-half who has formed probably the Premier League's most consistent centre-half partnership with Daniel Agger. Only Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Liverpool this season, with Skrtel and Agger combining to push Jamie Carragher onto the bench without the hint of a complaint.
Simply speaking, Skrtel is hard as nails and displays literally zero fear on a football pitch - with 21 blocked shots already this season, he's never slow to throw himself into the path of player or ball. Like a more frightening, heavily-tattoed John Terry with pace and without the...fill in your own word here.
Centre-Half: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
A survivor from October's Team of the Season So Far, only debilitating injury could shift him now. In the absence of Nemanja Vidic, Vincent Kompany is simply unparalleled in the Premier League when it comes to centre-halves. In the absence of Kompany, Manchester City look so very vulnerable, with the drop in quality from the Belgian to Stefan Savic of 'Beyonce to Bella Emberg' proportions.
When Nigel de Jong talks of being happy to win every game 1-0 and then still win the title, he knows that's only possible with Kompany marshalling the back four. Thanks to him, even Joleon Lescott is starting to look a class act.
Left-Back: Jose Enrique (Liverpool)
The Spaniard has almost instantly become Liverpool fans' favourite left-back since Stig-Inge Bjornebye. Yes, even more popular than Paul Konchesky. Enrique combines coolness, positioning and timing in defence with the pace and confidence to be a real attacking threat - though we suspect Stewart Downing may be making him look quicker than Jonas Gutierrez ever did at Newcastle.
We did almost give this slot to Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but on reflection it would have been mostly about his hair. And then leaving out Marouane Fellaini, Fabricio Coloccini and Leighton Baines really wouldn't have been fair. Jose Enrique has decent hair but he's a more-than-decent left-back in a season when other left-backs have been a bit, well, rubbish.
Central Midfield: Scott Parker (Tottenham)
Last season we got a little irked at the hard-on journalists were getting for a player who, ultimately, was relegated with West Ham. But this season the plaudits have been deserved as Parker has been the foundations upon which Tottenham have been able to build their brand of fast-paced attacking football (except at Stevenage, where they just lumped it long to the man mountain that is Jermain Defoe).
Parker is quite simply a tackling machine. And no matter how many times he goes to ground, in whatever conditions, he always emerges with his hair entirely unruffled. That kind of hair deserves European Championship and Champions League football.
Central Midfield: Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Simply speaking, he is a colossus - the sight of Yaya Toure powering towards the penalty area might not be beautiful in the same way as a reverse pass from David Silva, but it is certainly awe-inspiring. That Roberto Mancini pushed Toure back into the City side against Porto just days after his return from Africa tells you everything about his importance to City. He gives them a Plan B going forward as well as strength and power in rare defensive situations.
Those of us who mourn the passing of the 'complete midfielder' in the mould of Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane are buoyed by the presence of Toure, whose drive is infectious. He may have come to England for the money, but we suspect he will stay for the football.
Left Midfield: David Silva (Manchester City)
We are all rapidly running out of superlatives for Silva, who is simply a joy to watch. Even Manchester United fans would struggle to find something to dislike (envy, perhaps, but not dislike) about a player who has brought oodles of positive and absolutely nothing negative (no whining, no diving, no moaning about the cold) to the Premier League. It's a pleasure to have him here.
For the record, we do love Juan Mata for just about all the same reasons - and also because he gives the F365 editorial staff confusing feelings in their private parts - but for now at least, Silva is the darling of Premier League neutrals.
Right Midfield: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
He may only have one working foot as far as kicking a football is concerned, but when that one working foot is as good as Valencia's right foot, then all is forgiven. Nine assists in 17 Premier League games this season is a fantastic record that looks even better when you take into account the fact that he's occasionally been forced to play full-back.
Nani might be the more dynamic player but he is also far, far more frustrating. While the Portuguese winger lurches between phenomenally good and embarrassing, Valencia's variations take him between truly excellent and mediocre. That's why a fully fit Valencia pushes a crying Nani off the right flank for both Fergie and Football365.
Striker: Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
There was quite a compelling e-mail in the F365 mailbox this week in which an Arsenal fan argued that the inherent selfishness of Robin van Persie is the reason for Arsenal's woes. The argument is that - like Ian Wright and Ruud van Nistelrooy before him - the Dutchman's goalscoring exploits make it impossible for anybody else to contribute. Which would be a phenomenal theory if only Van Persie did not have seven assists as well as 22 Premier League goals.
We're pretty sure that just about every club in Europe would like to have his selfish, at-times-unplayable arse in their squad. He makes it into our team ahead of Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero as he hasn't had a dodgy patch since he got fit over a year ago.
Striker: Yakubu (Blackburn)
Thirteeen Premier League goals from just 41 shots. In contrast, Luis Suarez has scored six goals from 86 shots. And one of them plays for a relegation-threatened side. And has a quite massive arse.
Substitutes: Hart, Walker, Modric, Mata, Rooney, Ba, Aguero.
+13
Fade out
S4P
Luis
Romford Pele
110%
stinger
Deluded F*ck™
rosenthal
Glenarch of the Glen
christmasborocooper
debaser
Kimbo
Isco Benny
17 posters
Current Team of the Season
Isco Benny- Number of posts : 19647
Age : 44
Supports : Spurs, FOLLOWS (just for worms): Werder Bremen, Lazio, Ferencvaros, Valencia, El Classico, Angleterre, Magyarorszag
Favourite Player : Don't cha wish your left back was BAE? Don't cha
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°1
Current Team of the Season
From a Website not a million miles away from here:
Kimbo- Number of posts : 38171
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°2
Re: Current Team of the Season
How can they not have any Newcastle players? Along with maybe Norwich we have been the best team this season, pound for pound I mean. You know what I mean!
Kimbo- Number of posts : 38171
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°3
Re: Current Team of the Season
----------------------Krul----------------------
Walker--Williams--Kompany--Enrique
Dempsey-----Britton----Modric-----Silva
---------------van Persie--Ba---------------
Walker--Williams--Kompany--Enrique
Dempsey-----Britton----Modric-----Silva
---------------van Persie--Ba---------------
debaser- Number of posts : 22064
Age : 39
Supports : Aston Villa and Shrewsbury Town
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°4
Re: Current Team of the Season
Has Enrique been that good or is he just getting the token full back slot 'cause it's hard to think of standout full backs? Would probably pick AssouEkotto there.
Dempsey is a good shout.
It's funny how it's pretty easy to think of half a dozen candidates from Man City but I can't think of hardly any for Man Utd, yet they are still almost neck-and-neck in the title race.
Dempsey is a good shout.
It's funny how it's pretty easy to think of half a dozen candidates from Man City but I can't think of hardly any for Man Utd, yet they are still almost neck-and-neck in the title race.
christmasborocooper- Number of posts : 39348
Age : 37
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°5
Re: Current Team of the Season
Would have to put Ba in there ahead of Yak I agree. i dont think Valencia has been that big a standout either.
Kimbo- Number of posts : 38171
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°6
Re: Current Team of the Season
debaser wrote:Has Enrique been that good or is he just getting the token full back slot 'cause it's hard to think of standout full backs? Would probably pick AssouEkotto there.
Dempsey is a good shout.
It's funny how it's pretty easy to think of half a dozen candidates from Man City but I can't think of hardly any for Man Utd, yet they are still almost neck-and-neck in the title race.
I struggled tbh. I think Enrique is the best LB in the league, and was last season, so I shoved him in there.
Glenarch of the Glen- Number of posts : 30157
Age : 38
Supports : Palestine
Favourite Player : Hélder Barbosa
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°7
Re: Current Team of the Season
debaser wrote:Has Enrique been that good or is he just getting the token full back slot 'cause it's hard to think of standout full backs?
I can't believe some people think he's better than Krul
I have to say, it is nice to see Scott Parker finally getting some credit. Aliadebayor is unlucky not to make the footnote, for me he's been the difference between Tottenham being top 7 and top 3.
rosenthal- Number of posts : 822
Supports : Tottenham Hotspur
Favourite Player : רוני רוזנטל
Registration date : 2008-07-15
- Post n°8
Re: Current Team of the Season
christmasborocooper wrote: i dont think Valencia has been that big a standout either.
He's been excellent for a month or two now, which is why people (and certainly United fans) are talking him up for team of the year.
Not sure Id agree he's been among the best for the season overall.
Vorm
Kaboul - Kompany
Richards - Enrique
Y.Toure - Modric
Silva - Bale
Ba - Persie
Deluded F*ck™- Number of posts : 21765
Age : 38
Supports : The Lilywhites from N17
Favourite Player : The Hurrikane - he's on of our own!
Registration date : 2006-08-07
- Post n°9
Re: Current Team of the Season
I don't think Enrique is *clearly* better than Ekotto tbh.
stinger- Number of posts : 6477
Age : 44
Registration date : 2008-07-29
- Post n°10
Re: Current Team of the Season
Would also put Assou Ekotto for Enrique and Ba for Yakubu (it hurts me, but Ba and Newcastle deserve to be there). Without Valencia there wouldn't a single MU player there, so other picks from original post looks good to me
110%- Number of posts : 8978
Age : 50
Registration date : 2006-08-07
- Post n°11
Re: Current Team of the Season
I wouldn't have yakubu or valencia.
I'd have Ba up front with rvp, and stick Bale in at left midfield, Silva can be on the right (instead of Valencia)
I'd have Ba up front with rvp, and stick Bale in at left midfield, Silva can be on the right (instead of Valencia)
Romford Pele- Number of posts : 18652
Age : 34
Supports : Arsenal (Team Progress)
Favourite Player : Ozil
Registration date : 2006-10-05
- Post n°12
Re: Current Team of the Season
The fact Silva is not there is an abomination.
Luis- Number of posts : 26262
Age : 33
Supports : Liverpool
Favourite Player : Luis Garcia, Danny Agger, Pedro, Pepe Reina, Luis Suarez, Raul Meireles, Juan Mata, Jordan Henderson
Registration date : 2007-03-28
- Post n°13
Re: Current Team of the Season
----------Krul-------------
--Walker----Skrtel---Kompany------Enrique----
-------------Yaya----Parker-----------------
----Valencia-------Silva-----------Mata-----
-------------------Van Persie----------------
Other players worthy of a mention: Coloccini, Ekotto, Modric, Ba, Cabaye, Bale.
--Walker----Skrtel---Kompany------Enrique----
-------------Yaya----Parker-----------------
----Valencia-------Silva-----------Mata-----
-------------------Van Persie----------------
Other players worthy of a mention: Coloccini, Ekotto, Modric, Ba, Cabaye, Bale.
S4P- Number of posts : 14358
Age : 44
Supports : Chelsea
Registration date : 2007-03-24
- Post n°14
Re: Current Team of the Season
--------------Krul
Richards-Skrtel-Kompany-Enrique
----------Parker-Yaya
Sturridge-----------------Silva
--------Van Persie-Ba
Richards-Skrtel-Kompany-Enrique
----------Parker-Yaya
Sturridge-----------------Silva
--------Van Persie-Ba
debaser- Number of posts : 22064
Age : 39
Supports : Aston Villa and Shrewsbury Town
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°15
Re: Current Team of the Season
Romford Pele wrote:The fact Silva is not there is an abomination.
The fact you can't read is an abomination.
Romford Pele- Number of posts : 18652
Age : 34
Supports : Arsenal (Team Progress)
Favourite Player : Ozil
Registration date : 2006-10-05
- Post n°16
Re: Current Team of the Season
debaser wrote:Romford Pele wrote:The fact Silva is not there is an abomination.
The fact you can't read is an abomination.
Isco Benny- Number of posts : 19647
Age : 44
Supports : Spurs, FOLLOWS (just for worms): Werder Bremen, Lazio, Ferencvaros, Valencia, El Classico, Angleterre, Magyarorszag
Favourite Player : Don't cha wish your left back was BAE? Don't cha
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°17
Re: Current Team of the Season
Ok ok, I know everyone is dying to know what I think.
----------Krul--------------
Richards-King-Kompany-A.Cole
------Tiote---Yaya---------
Mata-----Modric-------Silva
----------RVP--------------
Don't think Ashley has been anywhere vintage this season, but still the best left back in the PL defensively at least. The fact that our very own Benny is getting a mention says a lot about left backs in the league - I like BAE, a lot, but he's still been very prone to errors defensively.
Ba would almost definitely get in RVP hadn't been so good this season.
Reckon this team above could win the league
----------Krul--------------
Richards-King-Kompany-A.Cole
------Tiote---Yaya---------
Mata-----Modric-------Silva
----------RVP--------------
Don't think Ashley has been anywhere vintage this season, but still the best left back in the PL defensively at least. The fact that our very own Benny is getting a mention says a lot about left backs in the league - I like BAE, a lot, but he's still been very prone to errors defensively.
Ba would almost definitely get in RVP hadn't been so good this season.
Reckon this team above could win the league
Fade out- Number of posts : 6128
Age : 60
Favourite Player : Baggio (he outshone Zidane when played together at Juve)
Registration date : 2008-07-06
- Post n°18
Re: Current Team of the Season
--------Krul
Richards-Colo-Kompany-BAE
--------Tiote
----Modric-Yaya
Silva----Ba---Bale
Richards-Colo-Kompany-BAE
--------Tiote
----Modric-Yaya
Silva----Ba---Bale
Romford Pele- Number of posts : 18652
Age : 34
Supports : Arsenal (Team Progress)
Favourite Player : Ozil
Registration date : 2006-10-05
- Post n°19
Re: Current Team of the Season
Some good mentions...
What about if we do one for teams lower in the league who have players that hardly ever get mentioned.
Kimbo had some good shouts with Dempsey, Britton and Williams.
I'd say Swansea's front three have all been pretty impressive this season. Sessegnon, Pilkington, Yak, Fletcher, Diame and Hangeland all deserve mentions too
What about if we do one for teams lower in the league who have players that hardly ever get mentioned.
Kimbo had some good shouts with Dempsey, Britton and Williams.
I'd say Swansea's front three have all been pretty impressive this season. Sessegnon, Pilkington, Yak, Fletcher, Diame and Hangeland all deserve mentions too
debaser- Number of posts : 22064
Age : 39
Supports : Aston Villa and Shrewsbury Town
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°20
Re: Current Team of the Season
De Gea
Hutton-Luiz-Savic-Warnock
Henry
Arshavin-Taarabt-Downing
Torres-Carroll
Subs: Cech, Collins, Evra, Mikel, Malouda, Bendtner, Heskey
Title Winners
Hutton-Luiz-Savic-Warnock
Henry
Arshavin-Taarabt-Downing
Torres-Carroll
Subs: Cech, Collins, Evra, Mikel, Malouda, Bendtner, Heskey
Title Winners
Isco Benny- Number of posts : 19647
Age : 44
Supports : Spurs, FOLLOWS (just for worms): Werder Bremen, Lazio, Ferencvaros, Valencia, El Classico, Angleterre, Magyarorszag
Favourite Player : Don't cha wish your left back was BAE? Don't cha
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°21
Re: Current Team of the Season
Romford Pele wrote:Some good mentions...
What about if we do one for teams lower in the league who have players that hardly ever get mentioned.
Kimbo had some good shouts with Dempsey, Britton and Williams.
I'd say Swansea's front three have all been pretty impressive this season. Sessegnon, Pilkington, Yak, Fletcher, Diame and Hangeland all deserve mentions too
If we say teams outside top 4 + Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool:
----------Vorm
Olsson---Samba--Williams---Baines
---------Diame--Britton
Dempsey---Sessegnon--Dyer/Sinclair
-----------Holt-----------
Romford Pele- Number of posts : 18652
Age : 34
Supports : Arsenal (Team Progress)
Favourite Player : Ozil
Registration date : 2006-10-05
- Post n°22
Re: Current Team of the Season
Holt is a good shout, I prefer Graham though
I like Baines too. He's a prety consistent performer every season but watching Arteta this season has made me queston the impact Baines would make at the highest level.
I like Baines too. He's a prety consistent performer every season but watching Arteta this season has made me queston the impact Baines would make at the highest level.
Kimbo- Number of posts : 38171
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°23
Re: Current Team of the Season
Luis wrote:----------Krul-------------
--Walker----Skrtel---Kompany------Enrique----
-------------Yaya----Parker-----------------
----Valencia-------Silva-----------Mata-----
-------------------Van Persie----------------
Other players worthy of a mention: Coloccini, Ekotto, Modric, Ba, Cabaye, Bale.
No Suarez Lulu?
Luis- Number of posts : 26262
Age : 33
Supports : Liverpool
Favourite Player : Luis Garcia, Danny Agger, Pedro, Pepe Reina, Luis Suarez, Raul Meireles, Juan Mata, Jordan Henderson
Registration date : 2007-03-28
- Post n°24
Re: Current Team of the Season
Kimbo wrote:Luis wrote:----------Krul-------------
--Walker----Skrtel---Kompany------Enrique----
-------------Yaya----Parker-----------------
----Valencia-------Silva-----------Mata-----
-------------------Van Persie----------------
Other players worthy of a mention: Coloccini, Ekotto, Modric, Ba, Cabaye, Bale.
No Suarez Lulu?
If he hadn't of missed 9 games he might have been a contender. Similarly, Lucas would have been in there if it wasn't for his injury.
Can't believe anyone would overlook Skrtel to be honest; he's been the best central defender in the league IMO, maybe joint with Kompany. Just as good as Vidic was for United.
Kimbo- Number of posts : 38171
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°25
Re: Current Team of the Season
debaser wrote:De Gea
Hutton-Luiz-Savic-Warnock
Henry
Arshavin-Taarabt-Downing
Torres-Carroll
Subs: Cech, Collins, Evra, Mikel, Malouda, Bendtner, Heskey
Title Winners
Isco Benny- Number of posts : 19647
Age : 44
Supports : Spurs, FOLLOWS (just for worms): Werder Bremen, Lazio, Ferencvaros, Valencia, El Classico, Angleterre, Magyarorszag
Favourite Player : Don't cha wish your left back was BAE? Don't cha
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°26
Re: Current Team of the Season
Luis wrote:Kimbo wrote:Luis wrote:----------Krul-------------
--Walker----Skrtel---Kompany------Enrique----
-------------Yaya----Parker-----------------
----Valencia-------Silva-----------Mata-----
-------------------Van Persie----------------
Other players worthy of a mention: Coloccini, Ekotto, Modric, Ba, Cabaye, Bale.
No Suarez Lulu?
If he hadn't of missed 9 games he might have been a contender. Similarly, Lucas would have been in there if it wasn't for his injury.
Can't believe anyone would overlook Skrtel to be honest; he's been the best central defender in the league IMO, maybe joint with Kompany. Just as good as Vidic was for United.
Ledley King has been the best CB in the league in my honest and only slightly biased opinion this season
And he's only missed 6 games so no bullshit about "he's too injured to be a serious inclusion" please
debaser- Number of posts : 22064
Age : 39
Supports : Aston Villa and Shrewsbury Town
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°27
Re: Current Team of the Season
King would be there if it wasn't for him costing you the title vs Man City.
Isco Benny- Number of posts : 19647
Age : 44
Supports : Spurs, FOLLOWS (just for worms): Werder Bremen, Lazio, Ferencvaros, Valencia, El Classico, Angleterre, Magyarorszag
Favourite Player : Don't cha wish your left back was BAE? Don't cha
Registration date : 2006-08-08
- Post n°28
Re: Current Team of the Season
debaser wrote:King would be there if it wasn't for him costing you the title vs Man City.
Nope, wasn't his fault - watch it again, instead of putting the ball into the stands or taking the ball into the corner, Benny Assoue Ekotto kicks the ball back upfield straight to a City player (not sure which now), who threads the ball almost immediately back to Balotelli with the backline and King pushed up and thus caught out of position.
IMO that was Benny's fault and something he's done on a few occasions where silly decision making has put the defence under unnecessary pressure.
I don't say this because I refuse to acknowledge King's faults - as he did give away the penalty (which I feel he had little choice doing though), but put simply if it had been Ledley on the ball, he would not have done what Benny did and we wouldn't have lost that game.
Besides, Bale and Defoe were more at fault for us losing that game when they were two on one and should have been 3-2, if you ask me.
christmasborocooper- Number of posts : 39348
Age : 37
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°29
Re: Current Team of the Season
Wasnt his fault
Yeah other than the actual foul.
Yeah other than the actual foul.
Glenarch of the Glen- Number of posts : 30157
Age : 38
Supports : Palestine
Favourite Player : Hélder Barbosa
Registration date : 2006-08-06
- Post n°30
Re: Current Team of the Season
pfft, if Ledley King played for Arsenal he'd be a legend.
|
|